Lukla, situated in the Solukhumbu district, is considered a gateway to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Not only is it the entry point for Everest expeditions, but tourists traveling to the base camp and the surrounding areas must also pass through Lukla. There are only two ways to reach Lukla: by air or on foot. There is no road access for vehicles to Lukla. The journey to Lukla is unique and extraordinary as it involves a direct encounter with nature, smiling with the mountains, dancing with the rivers, and singing with the lush green forests and the cold weather.
It was a day in the month of Magh (January-February), and due to adverse weather conditions, I decided to travel on foot rather than by air. The next morning, I woke up early and started my journey from Salleri. Crossing the bustling villages along the Mapya Dudhkoshi River, passing Bhok Khola, and then the Dudhkoshi River.
I stopped at Khari Khola in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu for a short break and to enjoy a cup of tea at a local hotel. Having grown up with sweet tea, salty tea was new to me. After drinking the salty tea, I stepped outside the hotel, and it was already 6 pm, with no more road access for vehicles beyond this point. After a brief rest and a cup of tea, my actual foot journey to Lukla began. Climbing high mountains and walking on narrow paths were new experiences for me. Seeing mules in a line, with bells around their necks, carrying salt, oil, and food supplies on their backs, felt like I had entered a different world.
Heavenly experience
As I continued my journey, small white flakes started falling, as if someone had dropped pearls from heaven-it was snowing. The touch of snow was also a new experience for me. Making my way through the snow-covered paths, I reached Paiya at around 9 pm that day and continued my journey to Lukla early the next morning.
Through the rain and snow, sipping salty tea, sometimes climbing uphill and sometimes going downhill, taking deep breaths, I finally reached my destination, Lukla, at 1 pm. I had lunch and rested at the Highers Inn Hotel.
Pleasant Lukla
Lukla is a beautiful town located in Province 1, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu district. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Sherpa community, who mainly follow Buddhism. The town of Lukla is spread across a small plain area surrounded by the Kongde, Lukla Chain, and Khumbiyula mountains.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world’s top 10 most dangerous airports, is also located here. At an elevation of 2,860 meters, Lukla’s weather changes rapidly. Fog, sunshine, and rain can all occur within minutes, which are the typical characteristics of Lukla’s weather. Although the weather is mostly cold throughout the year, a small area around Lukla is used for vegetable farming.
However, the cost of food and lodging in Lukla is relatively high. There is no shortage of accommodation in Lukla; there are various types of hotels suitable for everyone, not only in terms of quality but also in affordability.
The sight of snow-covered roofs of the houses and the sunlight touching the mountain peaks can make one forget the fatigue of the journey. Tourism is the primary occupation of the people here, with the majority of tourists coming from countries like Australia, the UK, Germany, the USA, Spain, France, Canada, India, China, Italy, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Poland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Alongside the beauty of nature, it is essential to develop the agricultural sector. Embracing the concept of agro-tourism in the Khumbu region can lead to further development of both tourism and agriculture. In the lower Khumbu region, crops like kiwi, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, radishes, and spinach can be cultivated, while in the upper Khumbu region, high-density apple cultivation is possible. The tradition of raising yaks and producing cheese, butter, and churpi (hardened cheese) is also prevalent in the Khumbu region.
At the end
If you plan to visit Lukla, prepare yourself for a journey into the Himalayan region. The hills around Lukla are always covered with snow, so the weather is cold. Do not forget to pack warm clothes, sports shoes or trekking boots, trousers, a hat, and thick socks.
Also, carry any regular medication you need, along with basic medicines for headaches, diarrhea, pain relief, Vicks, and medicines for reducing gastric problems. It can be challenging to return from Lukla on the scheduled date; sometimes, flights may not operate for weeks.
Therefore, it is important to plan for additional expenses for the Lukla trip and pack sufficient clothing and other items. Being mentally prepared is crucial.
After spending two days in Lukla, the weather finally cleared up, and I took a flight back to Phaplu Airport. My journey to Lukla, where I directly encountered nature, laughed with the mountains, danced with the rivers, and sang with the lush green forests and the cold weather, felt like a return from a piece of heaven. For me, the Lukla trip will always be memorable. I miss you, Lukla.
